May 29, 2023
Drink driving continues to be a persisting issue that has plagued our roads for decades, despite numerous efforts to combat it. Regrettably, it remains one of the most hazardous and lethal forms of reckless conduct behind the wheel. Each year, thousands of lives are lost as a result of drink driving accidents, leaving families devastated and communities in mourning.
Let’s explore some of the risks associated with drink driving and how drive-home valet services in Singapore can make our roads safer by preventing needless tragedies.
1. Impaired Judgement
Alcohol consumption is a well-known inhibitor of judgement, decision-making ability, and reaction time. The dangerous combination of compromised decision-making and slowed reflexes makes it difficult for drivers to recognise and respond to potential hazards on the road, endangering themselves and other drivers on the road.
It’s no surprise that drink driving is often referred to as a “crime of opportunity.” In many cases, it’s the result of a driver making a poor decision while under the influence of alcohol, putting their own desires above the safety of others. The consequences of such action can be catastrophic, leading to injuries, fatalities, and lifelong trauma for those affected.
2. Increased Risks Of Accidents
The perils of drink driving cannot be emphasised enough as it poses a significant risk to the driver and other road users, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Despite strict laws and enforcement efforts, there were 170 drink-driving accidents in Singapore in 2022, resulting in 10 fatalities according to the Singapore Police Force.
As the amount of alcohol consumed increases, so does the severity of the risk. In fact, drivers who have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher are 11 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than a driver who has not consumed any alcohol as it impairs the individual’s cognitive function, motor skills, and perception, all of which are essential for safe driving. These accidents are more likely to occur at night and on weekends when more people are out drinking and partying.
3. Legal Consequences
In Singapore, drink driving is a serious offence that carries severe legal consequences. A first-time offender can face up to $5,000 in fines, a 12-month licence suspension, and a possible jail sentence of up to 6 months. Repeat offenders face even harsher penalties, with fines of up to $30,000 and a mandatory jail sentence of at least a year. In addition to these criminal penalties, drivers convicted of drink driving can also face civil lawsuits and be held liable for any damages or injuries caused as a result of their actions.
The legal consequences of drink driving extend beyond just fines and jail time. Drivers convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) can also face increased insurance premiums, which can make it difficult for them to afford coverage in the future. A DUI conviction can also have long-lasting effects on a person’s career and reputation, as it can show up on background checks and impact their ability to obtain certain jobs or licences.
4. Emotional Impact
The aftermath of a drink driving accident can result in consequences that are not limited to just physical injuries and financial struggles. The emotional impacton victims and their families can be devastating and lifelong. Survivors of these accidents may suffer from psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Drink driving accidents can also significantly impair the quality of life for survivors, as their ability to work, socialise, and engage in everyday activities is affected and restricted.
For families who lose a loved one to a drunk driving accident, the pain and suffering can be overwhelming. They are left to cope with the loss of a family member and the financial burdens that come with it. The impact of these tragedies can last for years, affecting the mental and emotional well-being of those left behind.
In order to combat this serious issue, drive-home valet services in Singapore can be of great use! These services offer a secure and dependable alternative to driving under the influence, allowing individuals to get home safely without jeopardising their own or others’ safety. ValetGo provides a safe and reliable alternative to driving under the influence with a designated drive-home valet in Singapore that drives the individual and their car home safely.
This not only eliminates the need for individuals to leave their cars behind, which can be inconvenient and expensive, but also reduces the likelihood of drink driving accidents. So the next time you’re out drinking, think twice before getting behind the wheel – and consider hiring a valet driver from the ValetGo app instead. Download the app today to know more!